BJP mulls to field MLAs in LS polls

BJP is now open to the idea of fielding its MLAs for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, virtually throwing open the possibility of Leader of Opposition VK Malhotra contesting from a parliamentary seat.

After learning a bitter lesson in the Delhi assembly election, BJP is now open to the idea of fielding its MLAs for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, virtually throwing open the possibility of Leader of Opposition VK Malhotra contesting from a parliamentary seat.

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Newly-appointed Delhi BJP President OP Kohli, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing a roadmap for the party ahead of the polls, said sitting BJP MLAs will be considered for being fielded for the Lok Sabha election.

"We will consider MLAs as candidates for Lok Sabha elections. It will depend on the winability factor. We are open to it," Kohli told PTI. However, he did not give any names of MLAs who could be considered.

The saffron party, as a rule, had denied tickets to MCD councillors in the assembly elections and it seems that they do not want to repeat the mistake of avoiding "winnable" candidates from the fray.

There has been speculation since BJP's defeat the assembly polls that its chief ministerial candidate Malhotra, BJP's former Lok Sabha Deputy Leader, would contest the polls.

When contacted, Malhotra said, "I am not inclined (to contest the Lok Sabha elections). Nothing has been decided. It (candidates) will be decided by the party."

The names of other MLAs doing the rounds are that of former Delhi BJP chief Harsh Vardhan and former Leader of Opposition Jagdish Mukhi.

While Harsh Vardhan has expressed his disinclination, party sources said Mukhi had a month ago informed his desire to contest the Lok Sabha polls from West Delhi seat to the party leadership. Mukhi could not be reached for comments.